As the search for quality education increases, so is international students’ desire to look for countries with free or cheaper tuition fees.
The cost of education keeps increasing every day which has left the hope of many students dashed. As a substitute, there are loads of fully funded scholarships across Europe, making it a viable option for their dreams. However, these are usually made available to students with good track records.
Fortunately, some universities offer tuition-free higher education in many top-tier countries and are also known for quality education. It is also important to know that just because some schools come without the tuition fee does not mean they are completely free, you are likely to take care of administrative fees which are usually very low.
Below is the list of countries international students can study for free or at a very low cost
1. Switzerland
- Cost of Education: CHF382 (€399) Per academic year
- The average cost of Living: CHF1,366 (€1,398) to CHF1,436 (€1468) monthly
Switzerland is one of the countries where students irrespective of where they come from can have access to quality education at almost no fee. The cost of education starts from CHF382 annually and with a living cost that could go up to CHF 1,436 in a month.
Students can work for a maximum of 15 hours per week depending on their school schedules which are not expected to override the main reason why they are studying abroad.
2. Sweden
- Cost of Education: Free for citizens of the European/European Economic Area Countries or People with a permanent Swedish residence permit. Students from non-EU/EEA countries pay between 7,500 – 25,500 EUR per academic year.
- The average cost of Living: SEK 905 (€830) monthly
People are not just moving to Sweden just because of its work-life balance, security, and social and cultural values that people are enjoying, it is also one of those countries that offer premium education to students at reasonable costs.
If you are from the EU/EEA or have a Sweden permanent resident permit, your education will be free. Even if you do not qualify for this, the cost of education is not as high when compared with most top tier 1 countries. Students are also allowed to work to earn a living there.
Aside from all the benefits, the cost of living is quite moderate, with about €830, you can see out a month conveniently.
3. Spain
- Cost of Education: Costs €1,200 ($1,314)/year
- The average cost of Living: €672 ($736) monthly
Spain is one of the most attractive destinations for any student looking to move through the study route with several opportunities that abound in view. The cost of living is good, and very positive for students who will be having little or no time to work.
International students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week and for as long as they like during their holidays.
4. Slovenia
- Cost of Education: Free for Citizens and EU countries. Costs €1,500 ($1,640)/year
- The average cost of Living: €745 ($815) Monthly
It is almost impossible not to say a lot of good things about Slovenia. First, we can start with how peaceful and secure the country has been. Both locals and foreigners enjoy almost the same right, there is freedom of speech, and different ideologies are also welcomed.
The employment rate is also increasing which most students who wish to earn on breaks or during their free time can utilize well. A student who will be assumed to be a single person spends about €745 or less per month. Education is also free for citizens and students from EU countries. However, students from NON-EU on full-time studies pay about €1,499 yearly.
5. Slovakia
- Cost of Education: Free for EU. Non-EU pays €1,999 to €4894.56 per year
- The average cost of Living: €674 ($739) monthly
Slovakia may not be a popular choice among foreign students but there are lots of great things to talk about the country. It has lovely natural landscapes and a great economy making it a perfect sense for anyone wishing to move abroad whether for work or study.
The cost of living even as a family is very good which is unlike most European countries. The best part of it is that the people are friendly even when it seems like they are not. Once they bond with you, the hospitality is not ending anytime soon.
The cost of education is free for Slovakia students and students from any of the European Union (EU) Countries. Others pay between €1,999 to €4894.56 per academic year.
6. Serbia
- Cost of Education: €914 ($1000) Per academic session
- The average cost of Living: €600 ($657) monthly
Serbia offers tertiary education to international students at a minimal cost. The students will also benefit from its low cost of living as rent, food and even transportation are so cheap when compared to other countries. With less than €600, you can comfortably take care of your living expenses in a month.
The cost of tertiary education is also low for students moving from abroad to obtain a degree.
Students are also allowed to earn a living by working up to 20 hours during their studies and more hours on breaks.
7. San Marino
- Cost of Education: €914 to €1828 ($1000 to $2000) Per academic session
- The average cost of Living: €747 ($817) monthly
San Marino is one of the states in the world where one can find universities that offer high-level study programmes at a minimal cost. Students can apply for courses in various fields but what makes it even more attractive is the cheaper tuition fee.
San Marino is generally peaceful and the cost of living is quite cheaper than you think. With about €747, you can live a month well. It could also rise a bit depending on the student.
8. Romania
- Cost of Education: EU pays €1,000/year while Non-EU pay €2,000/year
- The average cost of Living: €300 ($328) Monthly
We have lots of good things to say about Romania. Compared to most European countries, it has a very low cost of living. This makes it one of the top countries for students to further their education.
The expenses can also go high depending on the lifestyle, but living comfortably in a month for as low as €300 is very possible.
9. Portugal
- Cost of Education: Education is free for EU countries. Non-EU pay €550(601 dollars) yearly
- The average cost of Living: €613/Monthly
Portugal has many advantages, especially for students who want to study abroad, among them are a low cost of living, top-notch security, and a very low crime rate. The cost of education is not just affordable but also opens students to knowledge from all spheres of life.
As an international student, you are also allowed to work 20 hours in your spare time. This will also help you bond more with the country and also get yourself familiar with the locals.
10. Poland
- Cost of Education: Free for EU/EEA. Others pay about €2,000 ($2186) annually
- The average cost of Living: €350 ($382) per month
Poland is one of the European countries that offers education at a very affordable fee. Students will experience a deep touch of a vibrant community coupled with a good standard of living that will even make their stay more memorable.
Poland is a country that may also provide you with a pathway to life in other European countries. Education is free for Citizens from the EU/EEA. Non-EU depending on the programme and school will pay as low as €2,000 per academic year.
11. Norway
- Cost of Education: Free for EU/EEA. Foreign students €11896 ($13000) Per academic year.
- The average cost of Living: €800 to €1400 Per month
Students from EU/EEA countries can enjoy tuition-free Education in a country known for its beautiful landscapes.
Norway also allows international students to stay after a year after their studies, giving them the time to decide whether it is worth building a life there or not. Additionally, the cost of living is also minimal.
12. North Macedonia
- Cost of Education: €500 to €2000 per academic session
- The average cost of Living: €499 monthly
North Macedonia is very lovely. You will find the exquisite nature very warm to the eyes. Students looking to study in the available schools there have access to a wide range of programmes. Their wages are also low when compared to other European countries but the extremely low cost of living makes it easily manageable.
However, that does not mean there are no top offers in the country. International students can work for 20 hours per week, and those with good IT skills will be able to negotiate a better package.
13. Netherlands
- Cost of Education: €6000 – €10000 for international students per academic year. Subsidized for EU/EEA countries
- The average cost of Living: €800 – €1000 per month
This beautiful country located in northwestern Europe remains a popular choice for students looking for a study destination outside their country. Students will experience higher quality teaching that will lead to achieving their career goals.
The best part of it is that most programmes are offered in English making it the perfect place for most people to pursue their education. A bit high cost of living as well but Students are allowed to work 16 hours a week to earn some money.
14. Montenegro
- Cost of Education: €1,079 to €2,500 per year
- The average cost of Living: €500
Montenegro may not be as popular as most European countries, it remains among the best locations for students from other countries to continue their studies. The quality of education is also impressive and very affordable as well. International students are also free to work.
15. Moldova
- Cost of Education: €1000 per academic year
- The average cost of Living: €508 monthly
For Moldova, you can get more than you bargained for. Aside from the higher quality of education, it is also a perfect location to make friends and have fun without stretching your budget.
The icing on the cake is the affordable study plan for all including international students. With about €1,000 a year, you can get into the school. As a single person, you can live a month with an amount as low as €508.
16. Malta
- Cost of Education: Tuition is free for Maltese citizens, residents, and EU countries. Non-EU tuition fee starts from €3,000 per year
- The average cost of Living: €300 to €500 per month
Malta is also an excellent choice for any student to learn and grow in his or her chosen field. It comes with some great packages like a peaceful atmosphere, quality education, and a low cost of living.
With your Student visa, you can also work for a total of 20 hours a week. An interesting option for international students who need additional income.
17. Luxembourg
- Cost of Education:€400 and €800 annually
- The average cost of Living: €600 to €1,500 monty
Luxembourg as a study destination is not a popular choice for most foreign students. Small, but very safe and has a vibrant economy. Media even ranked it as one of the richest countries in the world.
The cost of education is next to nothing, you are charged €400 to €800 in a session. However, this will also depend on your chosen course and the school. Business-related programs are known to be more expensive.
All students are also allowed to work for 346 hours a year.
18. Lithuania
- Cost of Education: €1000 to €1300 Per academic year
- The average cost of Living: €300 to €600 monthly
With over 62 colleges and universities coupled with loads of academic programmes, it is no longer a surprise why Lithuania keeps getting attention from students all over the world.
It is also very easy to get a visa. Unlike many European countries, you may not even break a sweat before getting it.
Schooling is also cheap there, yet comes with excellent quality. The working hours per week is 40 hours which is quite higher than what most European countries offer on student visas.
19. Liechtenstein
- Cost of Education: A minimum of €1000 per academic session
- The average cost of Living: €1532 per month
There are many wonderful places in this world with Liechtenstein not always mentioned enough. The country is blessed with natural sceneries and lovely vineyards.
Liechtenstein is a very small country with its cost of living more expensive than the world average, however, the average wages are not bad, making it easier to cushion the effects.
And with international students allowed to work, there won’t be much to complain about. They can work as long as they want during holidays while 35% during their academic periods.
20. Latvia
- Cost of Education: EU countries’ cost of education starts from €1200 per year. Non-EU starts from €3000 per year
- The average cost of Living: €620
If Latvia is your pick, you have made the right decision. The country is an absolute delight and like many European countries, it has both hot summers and cold winters.
The cost of living in Latvia is relatively low, but there are cities like Rega known to be more expensive to live in. It also boasts of several job opportunities and the economy keeps growing fast.
As a foreign student, 20 hours is the total hours you can work during your school activities while during breaks, you can only work for 40 hours.
21. Italy
- Cost of Education: Starts from €900/Yr for EU countries. Non-EU and international students pay between €1200 to €12,000. (Per academic year)
- The average cost of Living: €760 monthly
Italy is one of the most popular countries in the world. Most of the reasons have to do with the gorgeous scenery, food, drinks, and never-ending fun. The Italians are kings of the night, they know how to party and are very social like no other. The quality of education is also impressive. Who says you can’t have both worlds, studies and fun even as a student?
International students will be able to explore the rich heritage and natural beauty of the country outside their education. It is also not that expensive to live in.
Students are permitted to work 20 hours a week during their semester.
22. Iceland
- Cost of Education: Free for EU & Non-EU
- The average cost of Living: €1,499 to €1,999 monthly
Iceland provides free education to all students. The only expense that students will need to make is the administrative fee which is usually very low.
A student can also work for up to 15 hours per week during their academic session. After graduation, they can also apply for a work permit to fully tap into the numerous economic benefits of Iceland.
23. Greece
- Cost of Education: EU/EEA students enjoy tuition fee education. €1500 or upward for Non-EU/EEA per year
- The average cost of Living: €500 monthly
There is a lot to explore even as a foreign student in Greece. Tourism is very important to the country and they have done a good job of utilizing it.
The cost of living is also cheaper and remains among the most affordable study destinations for international students. Students can do with €500 monthly as their living expenses. They can also take on jobs for up to 20 hours weekly during their academic periods.
24. Germany
- Cost of Education: Free for all.
- The average cost of Living: €700 to €1000 monthly
Germany, selected as a study destination for students, offers a standard and highly developed environment with infrastructure put in place to make life easier for both locals and foreigners.
Beyond its working system, it is also one of the rarest countries that offer tuition-free education to any country, irrespective of whether they are from the EU/EEA or not.
Despite being free, students will be able to work for 20 hours while studying and full-time during their semester breaks.
25. France
- Cost of Education: EU/EEA and Switzerland are charged lesser, about €170 yearly. Non-EU/EEA pay between €2,770 to €3,770 per year.
- The average cost of Living: €915 monthly
Most schools in France offer education in French and English. Since English is widely spoken, this makes it a very good place for students from any part of the world.
The country offers a unique experience to students studying there. It will also add more value to your CV as it is one of the most highly rated European countries. Despite looking sophisticated, it commands a decent cost of living. With less than €1000, students can get a month going well.
26. Finland
- Cost of Education: Starts from €1,500 per academic session
- The average cost of Living: €895 per month
Finland is also an absolute delight among countries whose education is in great order. It has a world-class education system that does not escape the eyes of experts from around the world. It is usually placed high among the best-performing countries.
Studying should have been high considering the standard, but the government has managed to keep it affordable even for foreign students.
27. Estonia
- Cost of Education: Starts from €1,660/Yearly
- The average cost of Living: €780 monthly
Estonia has everything almost every student wants, affordable education and endless working hours to work for money. Not many European countries offer such an opportunity.
The cost of living is not that low but can be managed due to the unlimited number of working hours allowed for students.
28. Denmark
- Cost of Education: Free for EU/EEA and Switzerland. Starting from €6,000/Year for International Students
- The average cost of Living: €1,045 monthly
People have always known Denmark as one of the safest places in the world. It also excels as a country with a good grasp of education. It is a place where any international student will be proud to have obtained a certificate.
Higher education comes at no cost for students from the EU/EEA and Switzerland. Non-EU/EEA may have to part with not less than €6,000 per academic session.
29. Czech Republic
- Cost of Education: Czech-taught programs are free for all. Degrees taught in other languages such as English is between
€2,000 and €10,000 yearly - The average cost of Living: €500 to €700 monthly
Most Students who have studied in the Czech Republic will have good things to say about the country. There is also a tuition-free education for degrees taught in Czech. Those who will rather study in other languages will pay between €2,000 and €10,000 yearly.
International students are allowed to work as much as they like but it is important for them to know that they are primarily there for studies, 20 to 40 hours maximum working hours weekly should do.
30. Cyprus
- Cost of Education: €3,400 to €10,000 per academic session
- The average cost of Living: €1,026 to €3,708 monthly
International students have many good options of which Cyprus should be one of them. The country is known for its natural beauty, hot beaches, outdoor activities, and great destinations for students as well as travelers.
There is so much fun to enjoy even amidst studies but the cost of living is not cheap. Students spend €1,026 to €3,708 monthly on food and other living expenses.
31. Croatia
- Cost of Education: €1,000 per academic session
- The average cost of Living: €645 to €700 monthly
There are plenty of reasons why anyone would love to choose Croatia as a study destination. It boasts of a mediterranean climate, beautiful nature, a safe location, friendly hosts, and an affordable lifestyle. This should be a very easy choice for any student, especially from Africa.
There is no free education in Croatia but Students can find an effective education system that comes very affordable, mostly €1,000 per session.
32. Bulgaria
- Cost of Education: EU Pay €300. Non-EU pays between €2900 to €3900 (Per academic session)
- The average cost of Living: €520 to €900 monthly
If you failed to qualify for Scholarships available in top countries like Canada, another option is applying for admission in any school in Bulgaria. Besides being famous for its rich culture and history, the cost of education is very affordable.
Accommodation is also cheap. And if you decide not to live outside the campus, you can always apply early for accommodation. The cost of living is also very low.
What even makes it more interesting is that students are allowed to work 20 hours per week.
33. Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Cost of Education: Starts from €400 per year
- The average cost of Living: €544 monthly
If the natural beauty in Bosnia and Herzegovina does not excite you enough as a Student there, the idea that you can work part-time while studying should. It is also a hub for many natural attractions, the mountains, and waterways. The climate is also delightful even for long term residents.
The cost of living is also positive, with money as low as $544, a month should be well lived.
34. Belgium
- Cost of Education: €835 to €8,000 per academic year for International Students. EU students pays about €835 per year in Belgium
- The average cost of Living: €942 per month
While most students tend to make a decision about their study destination based on what they read online or hear, one thing that has always been so clear is Belgium which is an ideal destination for further education.
As a foreign student in Belgium, you will find loads of opportunities that you can take advantage of. Students can also take on jobs for not more than 20 hours to earn some money.
It is Belgium, so you can expect the cost of living to be a bit but for as low as €950, you should do fine in a month.
35. Belarus
- Cost of Education: €1500 to €1800 per year
- The average cost of Living: €529 monthly
Belarus is a nice study destination and also happens to be one of the countries with affordable tuition fees. However, if you have no understanding or speak Russian, you might struggle a bit. If you can look beyond this, you will fall in love with the country in no time.
Foreign students are allowed to work but they must be at least 18 years old. A work permit is also not necessary to work.
International students can expect to pay between 1500 Euro to 1800 Euro for each academic session.
36. Austria
- Cost of Education: Free for EU & Switzerland. Starts from €3000 per academic year
- The average cost of Living: €945 monthly
Besides the cultural greatness and the unending outdoor activities, Students coming from other countries will find the country good enough.
It has a high quality of life. It has consistently ranked very high for years as one of the most livable places in the world. With smart budgeting, €945 can run the monthly living expense with no hitch.
It is very easy to make friends. Social life is good, you are going to meet friends who you can have a great time with.
Education is free for Students from the EU and Switzerland and is also affordable for Non-EU.
37. Andorra
- Cost of Education: Starts from €750 to €3,800 per academic year
- The average cost of Living: €1,100 to €1,200 monthly
Andorra, Being among the most affordable countries to study abroad, offers a unique education system, good health, and high quality of life. Studying in the country can be a great experience with their citadels of learning renowned for the quality of their programs.
For an acceptable life standard as a student, €1,100 to €1,200 should be more than enough to see you through the month. Most students’ living expenses are less than that.
All students can also work on a part-time basis.
38. Albania
- Cost of Education: Starts from €164 per academic year
- The average cost of Living: €450 monthly
Albania may not be commanding much attention as other European countries but it has some buzz to it that international students will want to explore. The unique cultural lifestyle, clean environment, beautiful landscape, and remarkable culture place the country as one of the top study destinations any international student can hunt for.
The education is not just quality but very affordable. Despite no free education, you can study for as low as 164 euro per academic session depending on the program and schools. The cost of living is another attraction, with 450 Euro monthly, you can have a modest life in beautiful Albania.
All international students can also work up to 20 hours weekly during their studies.
